RTTA committee meeting minutes

Committee meeting February 2025

The River Thurne Tenant’s Association Committee Meeting

New Victoria Hall Neatishead NR12 8AD

25th February 2025 at 10.00 pm.

Present:

D. Cornell, A. Wright, F. Brown, K. Bacon, R. Pike (via phone), J. Williams, & L. Haywood (arr. 11.10 am)

In Attendance: C. Bowden (PH51), A. Brown (PH22)

DC welcomed everyone to the meeting

1. APOLOGIES:

Roger Pike, Harry May

2. MINUTES

9th December 2024 approved and signed

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES 9.12.24 (largely appear later in the Agenda)

4. CORRESPONDENCE

All correspondence of any consequence is covered under Agenda items.

5. TREASURER’S REPORT

Confirmed that DC & FB had met with JW following the previous meeting to clarify various items concerning the new Treasurer’s role.

Community Account – £2,559.51

Community Account No.2 - £126.00

Business Premium Account - £3,568.24

Calendars made £93.35 profit

RTTA October Sunday Lunch made £11.00 profit

JW would like to clarify arrangements regarding the Old Bridge Inn car parking space. It would be helpful to have a clearer paper trail.

Agreed: DC and JW will go into Barclays to sort out arrangements following the change of Treasurer. DC will get the relevant mandate form.

4. MEETING REGARDING PLANNING APPLICATIONS

AW has made progress with EA and BA, and has arranged a meeting with the relevant officers on 12th March 2025 at Yare House. AW will compile a list of questions for the meeting as Alasdair Hain Cole (EA) and circulate to DC and JW to check and add additional questions pre the meeting.

Agreed: AW will put together a list of relevant questions. AW, DC & JW will attend.

5. RTTA WEBSITE

DC contacted Keith Hobley to cancel the old Website. The new Website has been well received. Sharon Ayres has been reimbursed for her payment of domain name and web hosting for 3 years.

6. RTTA FACEBOOK PAGE

Page has been fairly quiet lately. One RTTA member complained on the Facebook page that it appeared to be DC ‘advert’ page and not for the general community. DC has spoken to that RTTA member. Dc asked if the Committee members who used FB would like her to change posts. RTTA Committee were happy with the content of FB page.

7. LEASE ENFRANCISEMENT – incl. B LEASE ENFRANCHISEMENT

RP approached EA to see where he stood in relation to the possible cost to a B Leaseholder acquiring the freehold. EA advised that it would be a matter for individual leaseholders, but the EA is not looking to sell Lease Bs at the moment. Subsequently, RP was asked whether he would head up a possible group of B Leaseholders to purchase their freehold. RP will not be doing that.

Paul Mc Donough had leafletted bungalow owners last winter to ascertain who would be interested in buying their B lease Freehold. DC would contact B leaseholders as a matter of interest to see who would want to purchase their freehold from the EA. Lease B’s have the most to gain as their annual rent to EA can sometimes be around £2,000, depending on the length of their plot, and they have a 15% claw back to EA when selling their bungalows.

KB stated that he thought the freehold price demanded from B lease holders by the EA would be greater than that of A leases as EA had more annual income to lose than releasing A leaseholders.

KB also stated that due to a number of factors, including increased sea level rise, uncertainty of coastal defences being maintained and the possibility of ‘managed retreat’ or ‘realignment’ of the Norfolk Coast it would be unwise to put funds into purchasing freehold at the moment.

Agreed: DC to find out who among the B Leaseholders may be interested in freehold purchase.

8. TBMC SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

There was a general discussion from those who attended the TBMC Special Resolution Meeting at the end of January. The feeling was that the actual Resolution was not fully discussed and a number of points had been introduced that were not relevant to the issue in question, i.e. the possibility that in the future a minority of freeholders may ultimately make decisions for the large majority of leaseholders who did not / or could not buy their lease. The committee felt discussion at the Special Resolution Meeting had been closed down too quickly. However, on reflection, they also felt the issue was probably brought to the members too early for them to make an informed decision, as the conditions for the new freeholders had not yet been seen or agreed.

9. S101A NEW SEWER MAIN APPLICATION

The S101A Appeal document had been circulated to all Committee members for discussion at this meeting. FB had waded through the dense document and picked out some interesting points.

In Para 581 the EA seem to accept that the fact the properties are leasehold has no relevance to the EA’s considerations, and eventual decision regarding their deliberations over the proposed sewerage main.

Para 582 surprisingly states “… the Environment Agency further notes … there are no planning constraints equivalent to those in the relevant leases which would require the removal of the buildings on the properties at a set date or which would constrain their use.”

This statement is not especially significant in terms of the S101A document. However, this is an official EA document, and it seems to accept that freehold purchase would allow permanent occupation.

That seems to contradict statements made elsewhere that the existing restrictive covenants would still apply to freeholds.

Statements in Para 599 seem to suggest that:

1. The EA accepts there are problems with the sewerage system on the North bank. Might that enable us to pressure Anglian Water to remedy the situation?

2. The EA accepts the new sewerage system on the South bank would require a fully serviceable access road.

Para 622 dismisses the idea that Louise is an acceptable solution in the long term (not surprisingly). On the other hand, the EA accepts in Para 625 that the current system does not present an increasing risk to the environment.

Para 626 is the most significant section, because it confirms the summary given by Max Manners at the RTTA AGM, i.e.

“With regard to the duty referred to it under s101A(7)(c) and having taken all of the above considerations into account the Environment Agency determines that the Company should provide a public sewer to serve the relevant premises by no later than 31 March 2029.”

Agreed: JW to ask TBMC a question about tank emptying as she thought that at least one tank on the Martham Bank was 2.5 cubic metres whereas the majority were 1 cubic metre. It appeared that costs for both tanks emptying were the same. JW to write to TBMC.

10. FLOODING/ BUNGALOW SALES – incl. NEW PUMPING STATIONS (DC)

Dc had spoken to two local estate agents re sale of riverside bungalows. The good news was there has not been so much flooding this year. There were fewer properties on the market than last year and approx. 11 properties have sold. Estate Agents report that the industry has had a bit of a downturn since the end of the Covid pandemic. Sellers had to be more realistic with pricing their properties and buyers were taking longer to commit to a purchase. However, they expect the market to pick up in the Spring.

DC has written to the Water Management Alliance to ask whether the new more efficient pumping stations will make any difference to the level of water in the Thurne. Would this increase the risk of flooding to riverside businesses and bungalows? DC waiting for a response from WMA.

Agreed: DC to feedback to the next meeting

11. CAR PARKING

KB charging £300 pa at the Old Bridge Inn Car park. KB thinks the take-up will be less this year from bungalow owners.

The Bridge Car Park has been strimmed, and a replacement gate has been installed.

12. UNDERGROUNDING ELECTRIC CABLES. NW BANK update

Heather of Drakes says all bungalows are now connected to electricity via underground cables. However, the Pumping stations are not yet connected.

Heather says it is still not safe to remove the old electrical fixings as some could potentially still be live.

Agreed: DC to include reference to the safety issue in the Spring Newsletter.

13. SPEEDING BOATS

After the previous meeting RP agreed a letter with DC & FB regarding speeding boats, which will be sent to all relevant boatyards in April.

Agreed: DC will get the letters laminated and RP will deliver them in person – two to each boatyard.

14. GRASS CUTTING on the Martham bank, POTTER HEIGHAM TO MARTHAM BOATS

RP reported that along the Martham Bank the grass was cut along the whole length. There was an agreement between Martham boats to cut half of the length, and the RTTA lease holders to cut the rest.

Agreed: DC to include in the Spring Newsletter a reminder that leaseholders are responsible for cutting the grass and vegetation on the bank behind their bungalows.

15. DOG FOULING & ADDER SIGNS

Agreed: RP will get the relevant signs from Amazon, and we will put them up on all four riverbanks.

Agreed: LH to approach Great Yarmouth Council to find out the costs of installing dog waste bins, and then emptying them on a regular basis. DC to do the same with North Norfolk DC.

16. CALENDARS

Agreed: next year’s calendar, 2026, will be an ‘vintage photographs’ version.

17. NAMES & ADDRESSES OF NEW OWNERS

DC has prepared a letter for the TBMC Managing Agent to include whenever a bungalow changes hands. She read this to those present, and it was approved. DC to send the letter to committee members so they could change any part if they so wished.

Agreed: DC to send the letter to TBMC’s Managing Agent to be sent to A Lease owners

Agreed: DC to send the letter to the EA, asking that it be forwarded to B Lease owners.

18. LITTER PICK - MARCH/APRIL

DC has permission from NNDC to borrow litter picking equipment but has to fill in a form and return it to NNDC. DC to contact Potter council, local fishermen, Tony Gibbons, and BA to ask for helpers.

Agreed: DC will circulate the date far and wide – probably 29th March

19. SOCIAL EVENTS – incl. SPRING SOCIAL &/or BOAT/BUNGALOW JUMBLE

DC trying to organize a boat/bungalow jumble on – not ruling the idea out. No Spring social to be arranged as in previous years the interest has been poor and the event has had to be cancelled.

20. SPRING NEWSLETTER – ITEMS FOR INCLUSION

Agreed: DC will include a number of the items, as mentioned above. DC will then circulate the Newsletter to the committee who will check and add anything they feel is missing, information wise. Dc will the circulate the Newsletter via Mailchimp.

21. COUNCIL TAX

DC has confirmation from NNDC that the council tax position will not change for bungalows that were constructed before 1948. They will continue to benefit from a partial reduction in council tax. The Second Home Premium of 200% council tax will not be applied to bungalows on the North bank. DC has no definite decision from GYBC.

KB stated bungalows that are run as a business will get complete exemption

22. MEMBERS’ REPORTS

KB reported that there will be a change of local authorities in 2 years’ time. It is not yet entirely clear how the new arrangements will be structured. Council Tax may well change.

23. ANY OTHER BUSINESS None

24. FUTURE MEETING

Agreed: provisionally, Monday 19th May 2025

Agreed: DC will check on the availability of the Victory Hall, Neatishead.

Spring Newsletter

The River Thurne Tenants Association (RTTA) was formed in 1948 to protect the interests of the people who lease bungalows and plots along the River Thurne.

The RTTA fought for the bungalows to be retained in 1983/84, when their demolition was planned by the forerunner of the Broads Authority. It was a long campaign for the RTTA and resulted in the 99-year lease we have now. Prior to this, leases were from 1 to 14 years. Thurne Bungalows Management Company (TBMC) was formed by the RTTA to manage the 99-year lease and administer the lease and underleases that were granted from it. Many of the first directors were from the RTTA committee.

We are not TBMC. The role of TBMC is to manage the leases, police the covenants, manage the annual budget and provide a rubbish wet and dry collection service. All such issues should be referred to the TBMC managing agent (presently Dan Trett TBMC@trettphillipsresidential.co.uk).

The RTTA is here to help with any other issues as and when they arrive – planning issues, liaison with local councils, disposing of items, social events, events in the area, where to find trades people, insurance, general advice, etc. Some people on our committee have spent their whole lives on the Thurne, as business people or bungalow owners. We have a significant body of knowledge, experience and expertise, and are members of other broads interest groups.

We always welcome new committee members who love this area as we do.

A belated Happy New Year to all RTTA Members. What a difference a year makes doesn’t it? Last year we were just recovering from the flooding which shattered our peace in the winter of 2023/24. Luckily things have returned to normal this year and the river and weather have behaved themselves. Although we have had some flooded pathways, this winter has been a kind and gentle one for us all. A few fences have been blown down, but that’s about it. Having had some early Spring sunshine in March it would be lovely to think that we may be having a long and sunny summer in Norfolk. Let's look forward to relaxing by the Thurne. Just maybe.

The RTTA would like to welcome new members of the Riverbank who have purchased their bungalows during the last year. May you find the Thurne Riverbank a place for rest and relaxation and to charge your ‘batteries’ away from the rigours of the outside world.

This last year has been very busy for the RTTA Committee. Sometimes we wonder if the RTTA has a purpose, but last year showed us just how much there is to accomplish and what help our members need along the Thurne Riverbank.

Flooding: In a follow up meeting from Duncan Baker’s flood meeting at Hickling in February 2024, there was another flooding meeting convened by the new MP for North Norfolk, Steff Aquarone. This meeting took place on November 5th, again in Hickling Barn. Three RTTA committee members attended. This meeting brought together representatives from Anglian Water, Inland Drainage Board, Environment Agency, Broads Authority, Norfolk County Council and also Henry Cator, chairman of the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance. The point of this meeting was to see what progress had made between the various agencies and what they had done to help the situation of last year’s floods. There was less time assigned to individuals and groups to ask questions, but it was still a very informative meeting. Two members of the RTTA Committee also attended (online) the Norfolk Flood and Drought Summit at County Hall. This was on January 31st and chaired by Henry Cator, chairman of the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance. Henry has a keen interest in all things to do with The Broads as he owns land near Ranworth, and part of the Broads at Salhouse. It was a fascinating presentation of what was happening and the expertise of Peter Glas, who was formally the Dutch Government Delta Commissioner, was obvious from his presentation. It is quite astonishing how much planning and funding the Dutch Government have invested into Sea Defences and flooding and how well prepared they seem to be across a wide range of sea defence issues. The full video of the meeting can be seen here.

Enough of water levels and onwards to other important things …..

We are now 3 months into 2025, and the Spring Equinox with longer days is upon us. Birds are singing at dawn, and many waterbirds are mating and getting ready to nest. Watch out for summer migrants of swallows, swifts and house martins as they will soon return to skim the Thurne.

When you buy your mooring or bungalow you automatically become members of the RTTA. Membership is free to all. The RTTA tries to keep everyone updated with what goes on along the Thurne riverbank. As far as we can establish the RTTA was established in 1948, making this our 77th year. Fingers crossed for a great year.

2024/25 Committee: The committee has representatives from each of the four riverbanks. If you have an issue that you want advice or guidance with, we will do our best to help you. The 8 members this year are Chairman, Di Cornell (PH64), Hon. Secretary Fraser Brown (PH22), Hon Treasurer Jane Williams (M50), Keith Bacon (Riverside Holidays Ltd), Lesley Hayward (R80), Harry May (PH33 and Maycraft), Roger Pike (M15), and Alan Wright (M48B). We have four RTTA Committee vacancies, so we welcome anyone wishing to join our merry band. We understand how difficult it is to find volunteers but being an RTTA committee member really isn’t hard. There is no interview, and we only meet 4 times a year, so it’s hardly demanding. If you want to join us or just come along and see what we do, please contact us. The Chairman can be contacted on dicornell13@gmail.com. RTTA members are welcome at our committee meetings at Neatishead New Victory Hall to observe and hear what is being discussed.

We have a new Website: Protecting interests of river Thurne property owners since 1948 | River Thurne Tenant's Association. This website is very different from our old one and the navigation we think is easier. However, we are very pleased to have any comments about this website and what it contains. We are always looking to improve and update what we do for our RTTA members.

RTTA AGM: The RTTA Annual General Meeting took place at the end of October. Many thanks to those RTTA Members who stayed after the TBMC Meeting. It is sad that many of you leave. Much of what we do we think is of interest to all. Our meetings are seldom long and there is always time afterwards to meet the committee members who serve you.

RTTA End of Season Lunch: Last year for the first time we had an RTTA end of season lunch. This took place on the day after the AGM, Sunday 27th October, and about 30 of us met up at The Kings Arms at Ludham. What a lovely time we had and we would like to thank the Kings Arms for their hospitality, excellent food and service. Not as many attended the lunch as the evening dinners we have formerly held, but as a few of you had suggested a lunch instead so we gave it a go. Watch this space for next Octoberease contact us. The Chairman can be contacted on dicornell13@gmail.com. RTTA members are welcome at our committee meetings at Neatishead New Victory Hall to observe and hear what is being discussed.

Planning: Three RTTA Committee members (two of whom have had recent experience in attempting to get planning approval for bungalow lifting, quay heading, etc.) have had two meetings with Broads Authority and one with the Environment Agency on the subject of planning. The process of planning for quay heading, bungalow lifting, decking and occasionally bungalow rebuilding seems long and complicated. There appears to be even more hoops to jump through and the process of achieving permission from BA, and then EA licences etc., has taken some RTTA members months and led to much frustration and indeed costs. Callum from the BA planning section has been most helpful, but there are still set procedures which have to be completed before planning can be approved. In an endeavour to help you all we intend to provide some pointers specific to River Thurne residents in the near future. These will appear on the RTTA Website, once they have been confirmed as accurate by both BA and EA.

Here is the link to the generalised planning information provided by the Broads Authority.

101A Mains Drainage appeal: Max Manners on the Martham Bank has worked for many years first to apply and then to appeal for a 101A Mains Sewerage connection to the South Bank (and some North Bank) bungalows. Finally, he has succeeded in his mission and the Environment Agency has ruled that Anglian Water should install mains sewerage connections to these bungalows by 2029. This has been a mammoth effort and has taken Max much time and energy. The RTTA applaud him for his persistence. Many thanks Max. The RTTA has received the 101A Appeal definitive document decision which runs into over 200 pages. If anyone on the Riverbank would like to read this document and the reasons why the EA has ruled in favour of the Original 101A Application, please email us and we will send it to you.

Defibrillators: The RTTA would also like to thank Joan Shaw on the Repps Bank for working tirelessly to fund raise and provide two defibrillators along the South Side of the riverbank. This was a enormous effort. One defibrillator is placed at the Pugg Street Staithe and one at Martham Boat Development’s boat yard. The RTTA is sure they will be an asset to the riverbank. There is also a defibrillator by Bridgestone’s Restaurant, at Herbert Woods Yard and at Potter Village Hall. Please remember that if anyone is having a heart attack the first action is to call 999 and explain what is happening. If the person has had a cardiac arrest, then do not leave the patient alone but start CPR immediately.

RTTA 2025 Calendar: In 2024 we produced another RTTA calendar. This time it was based on local photos of Potter and Martham, mainly supplied by David Edleston, a local landscape and building photographer. Welcome: David Edleston Photography.

In all we sold 70 calendars and the profit from these has boosted the RTTA funds. Thanks to all of you who bought one or more calendars, and we hope you are using them now! We didn’t sell quite so many calendars as in previous years so we think that next year 2026 we may revert to our Vintage Images style with photos of the area in the past… or do you have a better idea?

Litter Pick 2025 Saturday 5th April: The date set for this year’s litter pick is Saturday 5th April. We start at 10am from the old Bridge Inn Car Park and welcome anyone who would like to join us again, even if only for half an hour. All equipment is provided but not Hi Viz vests, so if you have one, please bring it along. Easter is later this year, almost as late as it can be, so the litter pick will be later so that we can make Potter Bridge area ,footpaths and car parks clean and tidy for the new season

RTTA Spring Social. 2024: There will be no Spring Social in 2025. In 2022 and 2023 the RTTA tried to organise Spring Socials but due to the small numbers wishing to participate the RTTA has decided not to organise anything this year. This doesn’t preclude any other member wanting to find a venue and advertise a get together. If anyone would like to suggest a venue and event please contact us.

Old Bridge Inn Car Parking: This car park will again be available for seasonal or weekly parking as in previous years. RTTA will be leasing the park for the coming season. If you would like a space or further information, please contact Keith Bacon (Riverside Holidays Ltd) as soon as you can to reserve a space. The seasonal rent is £300 per car. Keith is also able to negotiate monthly/weekly rental. Weekly: between £10 to £35, depending on the time of year. Please contact Keith on 01692 580496/ mob 07833 446962, or email at: keithbacon@broadland.net. Lathams are now charging £700 per annum for parking. The car park by The Nippy Chippy is presently at £365 per annum.

At present the RTTA still has use of the Old Bridge Inn Car Park and hopes to have this site for a couple of years yet. The owners are hoping to get planning permission on this site in the future, but not yet!

Thurne Bungalows for Sale: The good news is that some bungalows have changed hands in 2024, so we have some new members. It is always sad to see old friends leave the riverbank, either due to family circumstances, health reasons or deaths in families. The RTTA would like to send condolences to anyone who has been bereaved this year. Your chairman doesn’t have anyone on ‘the list’ seeking a bungalow. Last year, end-March, we had 8 properties on the market and a boatshed. During 2024 this rose to 25 properties. According to our local estate agents ten bungalows sold in 2025 and at present we have sixteen up for sale, including two in Herbert Woods Yard development. Most of these bungalows are A lease with just 3 B leases on the market. Estate agents are still advising that you should set a realistic price for your property and be prepared to be flexible with prices. The Covid prices realised during 2000 and 2001 may no longer be achievable.

It will be interesting to see what being a Freehold Bungalow means when it comes to valuation. As we are led to believe that the covenants (conditions imposed) for Freehold properties will be similar to Leaseholds, the estate agents that RTTA have contacted see very little reason for price increases. Watch this space ….

Enfranchisement: The EA has informed RTTA that there are now 13 leaseholders progressing with the purchase of their bungalows. The EA do not recognise that the Leaseholders have the automatic right to buy their bungalows, so this process is not progressing as a result of the new Leasehold Reform Act but as a negotiation between the EA and the leaseholders.

B Leases purchase of their Freehold. The owner of Orchard View on the Martham Bank leafleted a number of bungalows during last winter with this idea and had some expressions of interest. Paul, the owner, feels that he is no longer in the position to push ahead with this but is happy for someone else to take the lead.

Dredging dykes and Quayheading: Here is an updated list of those contractors willing and able to work along the River Thurne:

Daniel Roe DRE (Marine and Civils) danielroeengineering@gmail.com 07717 672 150

G&H Services 01493 384 093 or 01692 671, mobiles 07979 967 593 or 07795 564 896 info@gandhpiling.co.uk

Paul Wade. AJS Riverside Maintenance 07471 760258 wade.ajsriverside.maintentance@outlook.co

Adder warning: There were incidents in 2024 of adders sunbathing and generally enjoying themselves along the Thurne riverbanks. We had an RTTA member’s dog bitten a few years ago which subsequently sadly died. Please be careful when walking your dog (or child) along the riverbanks. Be aware that adders can be out and about in the summer sun. The RTTA has purchased Adder Warning Notices and will be placing them along all four banks in the Spring, just to remind visitors and members to be vigilant.

Recycling on the Thurne: The RTTA encourages all bungalow owners, guests, and hirers to recycle as much as possible. Some bungalow owners who let their properties already provide a separate bin inside for card, paper, bottles and cans. Perhaps other RTTA members could do that. These can then be taken to the nearest recycling point at the end of the holiday period. Bottles can be recycled at The Falgate, Potter Heigham and Repps Village Hall. Paper, card and clothes can be recycled at Potter Heigham Recreation Ground close to the village hall. A clothing bank can be found by Lathams, or Potter Heigham Post Office. At Martham Co-op bottles, paper, clothing and shoes can be recycled. Catfield Village Hall also has clothing, bottle and paper banks. Other sites can be found on the RTTA website http://www.rtta.me.uk under Recycling. Please take your recycling items to a nearby site.

A reminder that you will now have to book your space at Norfolk Recycling Centres. See Norfolk Recycling Centre bookings - Norfolk County Council

Amnesty days. For anyone who has hazardous waste which can’t be left for RDS or taken to Recycling centres at normal times, there are two days when you can visit Caister to leave your waste. Household hazardous waste days - Norfolk County Council

Rubbish Collection by Louise: This winter has been much easier for Phil and James of RDS. Louise has managed to collect both wet and dry waste with no days missed this winter (as far as we are aware). Here is a reminder to all and especially to new members, who may not know the details of our collections. Once collected by RDS our rubbish from both sides of the river is collected and transported away by a NNDC contracted Waste Collection Service. The rubbish placed in the black bags should be domestic rubbish only. NOT building refuse or PAINT or Hazardous waste please.

Please make sure that all your weekly rubbish is placed in the black bin liners provided by RDS and are tied before collection (presently on a Thursday). Rubbish should not just be placed in your rubbish bin without being placed in a black liner. More updates on Collections by Louise can be found on the TBMC Website at: https://tbmcltd.org/newsletter/ and you can also find out about this issue on River Thurne Tenant's Association Members Page | River Thurne Tenant's Association. When ordering pump-out please contact the TBMC Managing Agent, Dan Trett, on tbmc@trettphillipsresidential.co.uk.

If you wish to have personal items of furniture, electrical goods etc disposed of then Phil of RDS has a waste collectors’ licence and can pick up your waste for an agreed fee. You can contact Phil on 07780 356 315. You can also use this number when ordering emergency pump outs which Phil will do for the stated fee (see TBMC Website).

Broadland Futures Initiatives: The Environment Agency has set up an initiative to look at managing coastal and inland flooding. This will involve any organisation responsible for managing flooding. The main aim of the initiative is to agree a framework for future flood risk management. One area being considered includes the Thurne Valley. More can be found online at Broadland Futures Initiative (broadsauthority.gov.uk). Please take time to look carefully at this, as any decisions made will affect our riverbank properties. Newsletters and Minutes of meetings can be found using that link.

Contacting the Broads Authority / Broads Beat: PC Paul Bassham, Broads Beat, Norfolk Constabulary. Ring 101 ext. 1235 or 1236 or email broadsbeat@norfolk.pnn.police.uk - or contact Peter.Davison@norfolk.pnn.police.uk (North Walsham). To contact the Broads Rangers to report an incident, you can phone Broads Control on 01603 756056, VHF channel 12 or email: Broads.control@broads-authority.gov.uk.

The Broads Society: Some RTTA Members are already committed to helping the Broads as members of the Broads Society. Since 1956 this is the only organisation dedicated to the protection of all aspects of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. Members receive a quarterly 48-page magazine filled with articles, pictures, news and updates about the Broads. As a member you can join the Broadsword team helping maintain the riverbank landscape too. Individual membership is £20. Please consider joining. See the Broads Society website: https://www.broads-society.org/. This year there have also been a number of very interesting evening suppers and discussions taking place close to us all. These were at Bridgestones Restaurant, Potter Heigham and it was great that so many RTTA members attended these evenings. Here’s hoping that this winter there will be similar suppers.

Website Potter Heigham Parish Council: The Parish Council’s website is informative, and minutes of meetings, local news and initiatives, etc., are posted there. You can find it on: https://potterheighamparishcouncil.norfolkparishes.gov.uk.

Repps Parish Council. Information can be found here Repps with Bastwick Parish Council | Serving our Community in Norfolk (norfolkparishes.gov.uk)

Martham Parish Council Information can be found here. https://marthampc.org.uk

Martham also has a history group - Martham Local History Group. This is a very interesting website with all sorts of interesting information and photos about Martham. find it on https://www.marthamhistorygroup.com

RTTA Website: Information about RTTA meetings, traders, emergency information, maps, updates, etc, can be found on Protecting interests of river Thurne property owners since 1948 | River Thurne Tenant's Association. If any member has any other ‘Trusted’ Traders you would like to recommend, please contact the Chairman who will liaise with the Webmaster to add them to our list.

RTTA Facebook Page: This continues to be a fast, efficient way of sending information or when posting queries. Not everyone wants to use social media, but it remains a quick and effective way of contacting others, selling surplus items and posting information. Please make sure posts are relevant to the River Thurne and its members. Personal posts on family visits, folks’ holidays, houses, and such like should be saved for owners own Facebook pages. Please keep this Private site relevant. Thanks.

Norfolk Boat Jumble 2025: This takes place at the Norfolk Showground (NR5 0TT) on Sunday 6th April. It’s the 31st Anniversary of The Norfolk Boat Jumble. The event runs from 10am to 3.pm and there is always a large crowd of eager buyers and sellers. There are always bargains to be found. You can also sell any surplus boats or boating jumble. Admission is £5. Established in 1994, it provides an opportunity for the public to access exhibitors selling marine goods. The event features a good mix of professional trade stands and car booters offering a wide variety of boats and equipment. From small craft to fenders, outboard engines, ropes, marine salvage, seating, nets, oars, paints, glues, and everything in between, you’ll find a treasure trove of nautical items. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just curious, it’s a great place to explore and grab a bargain. For info see Norfolk Boat Jumble – Norfolk Showground & Events Centre Or https://www.rotaevents.co.uk/event/norfolk-boat-jumble-2/

The Museum of the Broads, Poors Staithe, Stalham, NR12 9DA: For those of you who are new to the Riverbank, or even older members, it’s worthwhile looking to see what is happening at the Museum. You can check out their website https://www.museumofthebroads.org.uk. There is an exhibition of the Paintings of Phillipa Miller, Broadland artist and also a display on Peat!! The Museum also runs a Boat Jumble, date to be decided. Contact the Museum if you wish to have a stall. Phone: 01692 581681 Email: info@museumofthebroads.org.uk

The RTTA would like to thank all businesses who regularly sponsor this newsletter or our website. These include Riverside Holidays, Maycraft Private Owners, G & H Riverside Contractors and Martin of EWS.

The RTTA Committee wish all members a happy and healthy 2025, and we all hope you get out on the River Thurne once again in the near future and enjoy your property.

PLEASE MAKE SURE WE HAVE YOUR CORRECT CONTACT DETAILS. If in doubt, please email them to your chairman on dicornell13@gmail.com.

Copyright © March 2025.

River Thurne Tenants Association (RTTA) dicornell13gmail.com Our mailing address is: c/o Tower View NE Riverbank Potter Heigham Great Yarmouth NR28 5NE

The River Thurne Tenants Association

Spring Newsletter 2025

For new members and those who have yet to sort out who we are;

Historical Minutes and Documents

Previous committee meeting minutes